England captain Heather Knight has been fined $2000 after admitting to appearing in blackface at a fancy dress party.
Knight, who will captain England at the T20 World Cup next month, was attending an end-of-season party in 2012 – themed ‘sports stars’ – at a cricket club in Kent in 2012 when she painted her face black. She was 21 years old at the time and was already a regular England player.
The photograph was found on Facebook and reported to the Cricket Regulator in July. Knight has been reprimanded by the Cricket Discipline Commission and handed a $2000 fine, which is suspended for two years.
“I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012,” Knight, who is now 33 and has been England captain since 2016, said in a statement. “It was wrong, and I have long regretted it.
“Back then, I simply was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill-intent meant.
“Whilst I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game, ensuring under-represented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfilment within the game as I have.”
In 2022, England all-rounder Danni Wyatt was also sanctioned for appearing in blackface for an incident that occurred in 2013.
England captain Heather KnightCredit: Getty
Dave Lewis, interim director of the Cricket Regulator, said: “Cricket is working to become a more inclusive sport and the Cricket Regulator is committed to acting positively and impartially whenever racist behaviour is reported to us.
